Department for Transport

Transport: Expenditure

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatwas their (1)capital, and(2) resource,expenditure on transport in each region of England in each of the last five years.

baroness sugg: Investment by the Department for Transport is made based on a fair and rigorous process designed to ensure that spending goes where it is most needed. Figures on public sector expenditure at a regional level are part of the Government’s Country and Regional Analysis (CRA) statistics. These statistics attempt to allocate the spending according to where the benefits of the spending are accrued. For technical reasons it is extremely difficult to make accurate cross-comparisons. The statistics include spending on transport by all public sector organisations, including the Department for Transport, Local Authorities, Public Corporations (in the case of transport, this is mainly spending by London Underground) and other Government Departments (including the devolved administrations). The CRA also measures the levels of ‘capital’ and ‘current’ expenditure, which are presented separately in the tables below. Capital spending can be used as a proxy for investment, whereas current spending includes recurring expenditure such as on wages and benefits.Table 1: Public sector capital expenditure on transport, by region £millions 2012-132013-142014-152015-1612016-17East of England9731,0331,1761,4041,450East Midlands469597749799666London3,8754,0274,5505,2476,082North East295329417474520North West1,1171,1141,3581,8911,775South East1,1951,4491,5712,0022,211South West6246608021,0081,165West Midlands8268031,0801,3331,260Yorkshire and The Humber8058751,0851,2971,092England total10,17910,88812,78715,45516,221Source: Country and Regional Analysis statisticsTable 2: Public sector current expenditure on transport, by region £millions 2012-132013-142014-152015-1612016-17East of England376381364619593East Midlands324324282392375London1,5431,4601,2292,2022,212North East238228201261248North West634634522847895South East7087486929421,129South West366294299432518West Midlands385404354557564Yorkshire and The Humber613640409702727England total5,1875,1134,3526,9547,261Source: Country and Regional Analysis statistics1 The full extent of Network Rail (NR) expenditure is recorded in the CRA figures from 2015-16 following the reclassification of NR as a public body. Prior to 2015-16, only the Network Grants paid by the Government to NR were included. This has led to an upward step-change in total recorded NR spending in the CRA data and therefore rail expenditure from 2015-16 onward is not directly comparable with previous years.When comparing expenditure across regions a number of factors should be considered. For example, London receives a substantial number of daily commuters and visitors, both domestically and internationally, who will be using and benefitting from the roads and public transport networks but who aren’t London residents. The unique scale and urban density of London also means that large scale public transport networks are particularly important. It should be additionally be noted that big projects, such as Crossrail, which is the largest infrastructure project in Europe, can in any case significantly distort these figures.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

lord steel of aikwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, prior to the introduction of the exemption from MOT tests for vehicles aged 40 years and over, they plan to issue guidance to motor retailers to avoid valuable historic vehicles in good condition which are registered with the DVLA being scrapped under scrappage discount schemes.

baroness sugg: The Government has no plans to provide specific guidance on scrappage of vehicles of historical interest. Legislation will introduce a 40 year rolling exemption from MOT testing for these vehicles, providing they have not been substantially altered. Officials are working, including with advice from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, to finalise draft guidance on how to identify whether a vehicle has been substantially altered and this will be published before the legislation comes into force in May 2018. We have not so far seen significant evidence of scrappage discount schemes encouraging the scrappage of valuable older vehicles.

Home Office

Undocumented Migrants: Bank Services

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 23 October (HL Deb, cols 769–70), how many individuals have been identified as being in the United Kingdom unlawfully only through checks carried out by banks and building societies under the Immigration Act 2016.

baroness williams of trafford: Any estimate of the exact size of the illegal population is extremely difficult and there would be considerable uncertainty around it.The banking measures only apply to disqualified persons - these are illegal migrants who are known to the Home Office and are liable for removal or deportation from the UK. The Home Office shares details of disqualified persons with banks and building societies via a specified anti-fraud organisation, for them to check against their records. The 2016 Act banking measures came into force on 30 October; however, banks and building societies are required to conduct their first immigration check on all personal current accounts within the first quarter (January – March) of 2018. Banks and building societies must report any matches to the Home Office and only take action on accounts when instructed by the Home Office.

Undocumented Migrants

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 23 October (HL Deb, cols 769–70), how many individuals are recorded by the Home Office as being in the United Kingdom illegally.

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many individuals they estimate to be in the United Kingdom illegally.

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government whataction they havetaken to ensure,in determining how many people are in the United Kingdom illegally, that exit checks and the International Passenger Survey cover dual nationals.

baroness williams of trafford: Any estimate of the exact size of the illegal population is extremely difficult and there would be considerable uncertainty around it. Exit checks were introduced in April 2015 and are, over time, providing more detailed insights into the behaviour of migrants and how they comply with the restrictions placed upon their length of stay in the UK, but the data obtained does not provide the total number of illegal migrants in the UK. Instead of producing inaccurate numbers, the Government is focused on making it harder for people to live in the UK illegally. The International Passenger Survey is the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics and does not provide estimates of the size of the illegal population.

Islamic State: British Nationals Abroad

lord ahmed: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK citizens returning from Syria who are suspected to have been involved in supporting ISIS are eligible for council accommodation.

baroness williams of trafford: Everyone who returns from taking part in the conflict in Syria or Iraq will be investigated by the police to determine if they have committed criminal offences, and to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security. Local authorities lead on housing decisions and it is for them to decide whether their local criteria has been met for an individual to be provided with housing. HMG has not set out conditions to be met to house individuals returning from Syria.

Arrests

lord wigley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many arrests by the police in England and Wales there were in (1) 2007–08, and (2) 2016–17.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of arrests for notifiable offences in England and Wales annually, as part of the ‘Police powers and procedures, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin. These figures cover the financial year (ending 31 March).The latest instalment, which was released on 26 October 2017, can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-powers-and-procedures-england-and-wales -The data show that in the year ending 31 March 2008 the police made 1,475,266 arrests in England and Wales. In the year ending 31 March 2017 the police made 779,660 arrests in England and Wales. (see page 10 of the 'Police powers and procedures, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin. in the section "Trends in the number of arrests" (see attached)



Police and Powers and Procedures Eng/Wales Stats 
(PDF Document, 1.37 MB)




Page 10 - Trends in the Number of Arrests. 
(PDF Document, 541.81 KB)

Firearms: Licensing

lord mancroft: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of continued participation in, and recognition of, the European Firearms Pass arrangements after the UK has left the EU.

baroness williams of trafford: The European Firearms Pass assists EU nationals when travelling with firearms across EU borders, for example to participate in shooting events. As part of the negotiations for Brexit, the UK will discuss with the EU how best to continue cooperation in the field of firearms regulation, which includes the European Firearms Pass, in the best interests of both the UK and the EU.

Immigrants: Data Protection

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they sought legal advice on the data sharing agreement on migrants' information that was signed in January between the Home Office, Department of Health and NHS England; if so, whether that advice covered the requirements of, and compatibility with, current and future data protection legislation; on what date they received that advice; and what assessment they have made of the data protection implications of that agreement.

baroness williams of trafford: Any legal advice provided to HMG during the development of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be subject to legal professional privilege. The MOU is subject to ongoing litigation and it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Immigrants: Detainees

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Freedom of Information requests on the use of immigration detention for pregnant women are responded to within the deadlines specified by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office takes every step to ensure Freedom of Information requests are answered within the 20 day statutory deadline. The recent increase in the 90% performance target implemented by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has led to the Home Office reviewing its processes and implementing a series of measures to streamline drafting and clearance. With cases where the requestor has asked for information which is sensitive or difficult to obtain can lead to some responses missing their deadline. We closely monitor performance and stress at the most senior levels in the department the need to improve and maintain performance within acceptable levels.

Immigrants: Detainees

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to publish regular statistical information on the use of immigration detention for pregnant women, to ensure effective scrutiny of the 72-hour time limit on their detention.

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many women recorded as pregnant have been held in immigration detention since the Immigration Act 2016 came into force; and of those, how many left detention to be removed from the UK.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office keeps under review the statistics that are published in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, balancing user needs against burdens on data suppliers. We do not propose to publish statistical information routinely on the detention of pregnant women. Through section 60 of the Immigration Act 2016, which came into force on 12 July 2016, we have placed a 72 hour limit on the detention of pregnant women for the purposes of removal, extendable to up to a week in total with Ministerial authorisation. It may not always be appropriate for healthcare professionals to disclose confidential medical information that the patient has asked not to be disclosed. Subject to these limitations, Home Office management information indicates that 47 pregnant women were detained in the immigration detention estate between 12 July 2016 and 30 June 2017. For the same period this resulted in 8 pregnant women being removed from the UK. This is provisional management information that has not been assured to the standard of official statistics. The section 60 limitations, along with a new policy on adults at risk in detention, and other improvements to case working processes, represent a comprehensive package of safeguards for pregnant women in the immigration system.

Asylum: Finance

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 24 October (HL1909), when they expect to publish the outcome of the review of asylum support; and whether they are consulting external stakeholders as part of that review.

baroness williams of trafford: We review the level of the cash allowances provided to destitute asylum seekers each year. Organisations with an interest in the issue are aware that we are currently undertaking another review and were invited to make representations in the normal way. We published the outcome of the last review earlier in the year and subject to the views of Ministers expect to do the same. The report can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers We expect to complete the current review in the coming weeks.



Report on review of cash allowance paid to asylum
(PDF Document, 738.55 KB)

Leader of the House of Lords

Select Committee Reports: Government Responses

lord norton of louth: To ask the Leader of the House,  further toher Written Answer on 7 November (HL2539), what consideration has been given to listing in House of Lords Business the names of Government departments that have failed to respond within two months to reports from Lords select committees and joint select committees of both houses.

baroness evans of bowes park: The question includes a proposal which in my view is worth consideration; I am not aware of the proposal having been made previously. Accordingly, as any change to House of Lords Business would be a matter for the Procedure Committee, I intend to submit such a proposal for consideration at its next meeting.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UN Human Rights Council: Elections

lord alderdice: To ask Her Majesty's Government which state's candidacy they decided to support in the recent election to the UN Human Rights Council.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK has a long-standing policy of not revealing our voting intentions in international elections, nor how we voted in the past. However, four out of five regional slates were uncontested this year, meaning the UK’s vote would not have affected the final result.

North Korea: Diplomatic Service

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what projects the British Embassy in Pyongyang are currently undertaking in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; at what financial cost; and whether any of those projects have an explicit focus on human rights, rather than humanitarian work.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Through our Embassy in Pyongyang the UK has so far funded three very small-scale projects this fiscal year totalling £64,000, aimed at supporting basic needs and disability rights. The Foreign Secretary has instructed that funding for aid to North Korea should be discontinued. We are now working with implementing partners to close these activities in the next few months as a consequence of the unacceptable reckless disregard for international law by the DPRK regime.

North Korea: Embassies

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to comply with paragraphs 14 and 16 ofUN Security Council Resolution 2321 (2016) to reduce the number of staff, and limit the number of bank accounts held by staff, based at the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK fully implements all measures contained in UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR). Diplomats serving in the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in London are restricted to one bank account per person. The presence of the DPRK Embassy in the UK allows us to deliver tough messages directly to the regime. In light of repeated violations of UNSCRs and North Korea's aggressive rhetoric, our bilateral relations are under constant review.

Kim Moon Chul

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what links,if any,they and the British Embassy in Pyongyang have to Kim Moon Chul of the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled; whether he has entered the UK; and if so, on how many occasions.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Current and former diplomats at the British Embassy in Pyongyang, and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in London, have met Mr Kim Mun Chol on several occasions to discuss the protection and rights of persons with disability in the DPRK and the role of the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled. We understand Mr Kim has visited the UK on a number of occasions, including earlier this year.

USA: Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that itemsbelonging toa delegation of the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled were seized by the US Department of Homeland Security in June; and whether the luggage of a similar delegation was screened for items prohibited by UN Security Council Resolutions during a visit to the UK in 2017.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed in June that the North Korean citizens in question were not accredited members of North Korea's Mission to the UN and had no entitlement to diplomatic immunity. Their luggage therefore also had no diplomatic protection from inspection either in the US or when they visited the UK.

Israel: Visits Abroad

lord cope of berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government which Government ministers have visited Israel in the last two years on (1) private, and (2) official visits; and when they did so.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep records of Government ministers' private visits to Israel. The following ministers have made official visits to Israel in the last two years:Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood, 17-18 February 2016; Minister for the Cabinet Office Matt Hancock, 15-17 February 2016; Minister of State at the Home Office Baroness Williams of Trafford, 2-3 June 2016; Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Trade Mark Garnier, 20–22 September 2016; Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson, 29-30 September 2016; Minister of State for Digital Matt Hancock, 18 December, and 20–21 December 2016; Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson, 7–8 March 2017; Minister of State for International Development Rory Stewart, 19 March 2017; Minister of State for Trade Policy Lord Price CVO, 28–30 March 2017; and Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt, 22-23 August 2017.

Palestinians: Visits Abroad

lord cope of berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government which Government ministers have visited the Palestinian Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem, in the last two years on (1) private, and (2) official visits; and when they did so.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep records of Government ministers' private visits to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The following ministers have made official visits to the OPTs in the last two years:Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood, 16-18 February 2016; Minister for the Cabinet Office Matt Hancock, 17 February 2016; Minister of State at the Home Office Baroness Williams of Trafford, 1 June 2016; Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Trade Mark Garnier, 21 September 2016; Minister of State for Digital Matt Hancock, 19 December 2016; Secretary of State or Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson, 8 March 2017; Minister of State for International Development Rory Stewart, 18-19 March 2017; and Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt, 20-22 August 2017.

Burma: Sexual Offences

baroness helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are takingin response to the UN Security Council’s Presidential Statement SC/13055 of 6 November on Myanmar that the UN's humanitarian partners should (1) “ensure the availability of specialised medical and psychological services for survivors of sexual violence”, and(2) facilitatethe “holding to account of all those responsible for those acts”; and whether they intend to deploy the UK team of experts to help prevent and respond to crimes of sexual violence to Myanmar.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British Government has consistently expressed its deep concern over Gender Based Violence taking place in Rakhine. We believe it is likely underreported due to stigma, fear and limited availability and lack of awareness of services.We have been clear about the need for the Burmese authorities to end all violence, including GBV, in Rakhine. The Foreign Secretary has raised this issue directly with Aung Sang Suu Kyi. The Ambassador and Embassy officials in Rangoon have regularly raised concerns with Burmese Ministers. The UK funds a number of projects that support the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Burma, which include our work to combat sexual violence in conflict. The Embassy in Rangoon funds a number of programmes in support of the Preventing Sexual Violence initiative. In addition, a large part of the £102 million Department for International Development programme in Burma supports the Women, Peace and Security agendaThe UK Government is supportive of existing mechanisms and processes to hold those responsible for serious crimes to account. This falls in line with our commitment to the principle that there must be no impunity for the most serious international crimes. We have translated the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict into Burmese and promoted its use locally. The Protocol's purpose is to strengthen the evidence base for bringing perpetrators to justice. In this manner, it overcomes one of the key barriers to tackling impunity for sexual violence in conflict. In addition, the UK supports the Fact-Finding Mission, set up by the Human Rights Council on 24 March 2017. Its mandate is to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged recent human rights violations by military and security forces, and abuses, in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State. In March 2018 the Mission will provide a full report at the 37th HRC session.In Bangladesh, priorities are to improve GBV outreach and identification, referral pathways, and case management and support. UK funding is supporting GBV response activities being delivered by international organisations including UNFPA, IOM, UNICEF and the NGO, Action Against Hunger, who are providing medical services, counselling and psychological support. The UK is also supporting UNICEF protection initiatives including 30 child-friendly spaces and referral pathways for GBV survivors. The UK is funding the deployment of a UNFPA expert to coordinate the interagency GBV response in Cox's Bazar and seeking ways to scale-up the GBV response, working in coordination with aid agencies and other partners.The FCO sent two Deployable Civilian Experts to Bangladesh on 14 November, with support from the cross-Whitehall Stabilisation Unit. They will carry out an assessment of the extent of reported sexual violence, the current response to the needs of victims of gender based violence in Bangladesh, and identify gaps in service provision and provide recommendations for the UK. They will also conduct a thorough review of the investigation and documentation of sexual violence, through use of the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict and make recommendations on possible UK support in this area.

Yemen: Military Intervention

baroness helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the warning from the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator that millions of Yemeni civilians face the risk of death from famine, what urgent diplomatic action they plan to take to secure the lifting of the air, land and sea blockade of Yemen.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is a leading international advocate for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access into Yemen. In June we used our role as penholder at the UN Security Council to sponsor and coordinate a Presidential Statement, agreed on 15 June, which called for an end to the fighting, a return to UN-led peace talks, and the recognition of the importance of unhindered humanitarian access. Our position has not changed. The 4 November attempted missile attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a heinous act which deliberately targeted a civilian area and was intercepted over an international airport. We have condemned it in the strongest terms and recognise Saudi Arabia's legitimate need to protect its national security. At the same time, as our statement of 15 November made clear, it is vital that Yemen remains open to humanitarian and commercial access. The Saudi-led Coalition has stated that it will take into account the provision of humanitarian supplies as it reviews procedures designed to implement provisions on weapon flows in UNSCR 2216. This is welcome, as are reports that ports are functioning in areas controlled by the Government of Yemen. Clearly there is further to go however to ensure humanitarian and commercial access throughout Yemen. We have engaged with the Saudi Arabian Government at the highest levels on these issues since the 4 November incident and will continue to do so. We are also closely engaged with the UAE and other regional and international partners.

Yemen: Military Intervention

baroness helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light ofthe warning by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator that millions of Yemeni civilians face the risk of death from famine, what representations they have made to governments of (1) Saudi Arabia, and (2) the United Arab Emirates, regarding the lifting of the air, land and sea blockade of Yemen.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is a leading international advocate for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access into Yemen. In June we used our role as penholder at the UN Security Council to sponsor and coordinate a Presidential Statement, agreed on 15 June, which called for an end to the fighting, a return to UN-led peace talks, and the recognition of the importance of unhindered humanitarian access. Our position has not changed. The 4 November attempted missile attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a heinous act which deliberately targeted a civilian area and was intercepted over an international airport. We have condemned it in the strongest terms and recognise Saudi Arabia's legitimate need to protect its national security. At the same time, as our statement of 15 November made clear, it is vital that Yemen remains open to humanitarian and commercial access. The Saudi-led Coalition has stated that it will take into account the provision of humanitarian supplies as it reviews procedures designed to implement provisions on weapon flows in UNSCR 2216. This is welcome, as are reports that ports are functioning in areas controlled by the Government of Yemen. Clearly there is further to go however to ensure humanitarian and commercial access throughout Yemen. We have engaged with the Saudi Arabian Government at the highest levels on these issues since the 4 November incident and will continue to do so. We are also closely engaged with the UAE and other regional and international partners.

Burma: Human Rights

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, following the expulsion of Rohingyas from Myanmar and the recent UN Resolution, they intend to press for (1) a worldwide arms embargo against Myanmar, (2) a sanctions target on Burmese generals and senior officials, and (3) a UN General Assembly Resolution against all current and future ethnic and religious clearances or expulsions.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are committed to working with the Government of Burma and international partners to resolve the situation in Rakhine state. The overwhelming support for the Burma Resolution in the UN Third Committee on 16 November – which the UK co-sponsored - demonstrates the strength of feeling across the international community. We will continue to call on the Burmese government to send a clear message that the security forces must stop the violence; to ensure a full investigation of allegations of human rights violations; to allow full access to the UN Fact Finding Mission and to commit to ensuring accountability for the perpetratorsWe believe t​he adoption by the UN Security Council of the Presidential Statement on 6 November is a significant step. While encouraged by recent statements by Aung San Suu Kyi, we expect action to be taken on the Council's statement. International pressure will continue until those forced to flee can return in safety, free from fear of persecution and attack.​

Burma: Rohingya

baroness kinnock of holyhead: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their understanding and interpretation of the difference between genocide and ethnic cleansing, in the light of evidence of actions by the government of Burma and others in Rakhine state against the Rohingya people, particularly since August.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: It would only be for a court to decide whether genocide has occurred in Rakhine State. The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field MP, wrote in an article for Sky News on 14 November that "what is happening there looks like ethnic cleansing." This is why the UK continues to call for an end to all violence and for an early return of Rohingya refugees consistent with the UN principles of voluntary, safe and dignified return.

Burma: Rohingya

baroness kinnock of holyhead: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in deploying the FCO specialist team to gather and investigate evidence of sexual violence against Rohingya people in Burma, in line with their policy on combatting sexual violence in conflict zones which was introduced in 2012.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The FCO sent two Deployable Civilian Experts to Bangladesh on 14 November, with support from the cross-Whitehall Stabilisation Unit. They will carry out an assessment of the extent of reported sexual violence, the current response to the needs of victims of gender based violence (GBV) in Bangladesh, and identify gaps in service provision and provide recommendations for the UK. They will also conduct a thorough review of the investigation and documentation of sexual violence, through use of the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict and make rapid recommendations on possible UK support in this area. UK funding is supporting GBV response activities being delivered by international organisations including UNFPA, IOM, UNICEF and the NGO, Action Against Hunger, who are providing medical services, counselling and psychological support. The UK is also supporting UNICEF protection initiatives including 30 child-friendly spaces and referral pathways for GBV survivors. The UK is funding the deployment of a UNFPA expert to coordinate the interagency GBV response in Cox's Bazar and seeking ways to scale-up the GBV response, working in coordination with aid agencies and other partners.

Jagtar Singh Johal

lord singh of wimbledon: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of India concerning the arrest of UK citizen Jagtar Singh Johal; and what response, if any, they have received.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British High Commission has raised this case with the Indian authorities. Following high level lobbying, consular staff visited Mr Johal on 16th November. The Rt Hon Field, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific met with Mr Johal's MP and brother on 27 November. We will continue to raise this case with the authorities to ensure we have regular and full consular access.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Brexit

lord elystan-morgan: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to establish a convention of Members of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members to consider and discuss the particular anticipated effects of Brexit upon the devolved administrations.

lord callanan: The Government is committed to engagement with the devolved legislatures as we prepare to leave the EU. Ministers have appeared before several committees in the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales to give evidence on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill and the implications of exit for the devolved institutions. Parliamentary Under Secretary Robin Walker also attended the first meeting of the Interparliamentary Forum on Brexit last month.

Attorney General

Cryptocurrencies: Confiscation Orders

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any confiscation orders have been made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 relating to sums held in digital currencies; and if so, whether those orders required payment in the relevant digital currency or in pounds sterling.

lord keen of elie: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has obtained one confiscation order to the value of £2.2m, of which approximately £26,000 (1% of the total) is held in a digital currency. The confiscation order must be paid in pounds sterling. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has not obtained any confiscation orders of this type. Other prosecutors outside of the CPS and SFO have powers to obtain confiscation orders; data for those prosecutors is not known.The CPS has successfully obtained 5 restraint orders where the assets restrained include digital currency. The CPS has obtained ancillary orders from the Crown Court to make those restraint orders more effective by requiring suspects or defendants to repatriate digital currencies held abroad to the UK, to disclose the full particulars of digital currencies held and to allow the digital currency held to be converted to a flat currency, namely pounds sterling.The CPS is considering the execution of a mutual recognition request from an EU Member State, which has sought recognition of a freezing order over digital currency held in digital currency exchange accounts.

Department for International Development

Anguilla: Hurricanes and Tornadoes

lord howell of guildford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase the eligibility of Anguilla to receive aid and assistance following recent hurricane damage.

lord bates: The UK has argued for flexibility in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) rules for how donors respond to catastrophic humanitarian crises, such as the recent hurricanes in the Caribbean, and recognition of the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States. As a result, in October 2017 the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) agreed on the need to create a new mechanism to re-admit countries that had graduated from ODA eligibility back to the list of ODA-eligible countries if their Gross National Income per capita falls below the High Income Country threshold. In addition, members of the DAC have agreed to establish a process which could allow previous ODA recipients to receive short-term ODA support in the event of catastrophic humanitarian crises. Anguilla was an ODA recipient until 2014 and is assessed by the World Bank to be a High Income Country.The destructive force of hurricane Irma was unprecedented, leaving Anguilla damaged extensively. As part of our response the UK has delivered more than 220 tonnes of aid to the island. To support the reconstruction effort the UK has launched a Private Sector Task Force, headed by William Bullard, to identify private sector support and investment, and provide a public-private forum for engagement on building back better in Anguilla as well as other Caribbean Overseas Territories.

Fairtrade Initiative

baroness kennedy of cradley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the contribution made by the Fairtrade movement to improving the lives of people employed in the supply chains of Fairtrade products.

lord bates: The UK government is a strong supporter of the Fairtrade movement, which plays an important role in helping producers around the world improve their lives by ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their products, workers receive better wages and by making agricultural practices more sustainable. Fairtrade provides a minimum price for sales, as well as a premium, and certifies smallholder and plantation supply chains, as well as extractives such as gold. More than 1.65 million farmers and workers worldwide have benefitted from being part of Fairtrade certified producer organisations.

Department for Education

Children: Day Care

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of thenumber offoster children in England who are excluded from the entitlementto 15 additional hours of free childcare per week.

lord agnew of oulton: As of March 2017, there were 3,030 three and four year olds looked after in foster care and subsequently excluded from receiving the 15 additional hours of free childcare. However, we do not know how many children in foster care would access the additional hours if the eligibility criteria were applied to fostering households. No estimate has therefore been made.

Children: Day Care

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to extend the provision of 15 additional hours of free childcare under the Childcare Act 2016 to foster children in England; and if not, why not.

lord agnew of oulton: Foster carers play a vital role in supporting some of our most vulnerable children and it’s vital that they are given effective support. That’s why children in foster care are already entitled to the universal 15 hours’ free childcare and foster carers also receive funding and support for the care of their foster child, including a national minimum allowance, and favourable treatment in the tax and benefits system. We are in the first term of the 30 hours’ free childcare offer and we will continue to keep the policy and how it works for families, including those fostering, under review.

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Public Appointments

lord lester of herne hill: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Agnew of Oulton on 1 November (HL2213), what are the terms and conditions of appointments of members to the board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission; and what sanctions may be imposedif thoseconditionsare breached.

lord agnew of oulton: The terms and conditions of appointments of members to the Board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are set out in summary in the EHRC Commissioner applicant information pack, as advertised on the Centre for Public Appointments website. A copy of the EHRC Commissioner applicant information pack is attached and can be found at:https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/EHRC-COMMISSIONER-candidate-infomation-pack.doc.  Failure to comply with EHRC’s Code of Conduct, a requirement within the terms and conditions is addressed in part four of EHRC’s Governance Manual; Code of Conduct and conflicts of interest. A copy of the EHRC’s Governance Manual is attached and can be found at:https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/governance_manual.pdf. 



Applicant information Pack
(Word Document, 224.5 KB)




Governance manual
(PDF Document, 778.75 KB)

Mandarin Language: Education

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Agnew of Oulton on 2 November (HL2292), which schools have participated in the Mandarin Excellence Programme so far and which of them are state schools and which are private.

lord agnew of oulton: The schools listed below have participated in the Mandarin Excellence Programme so far. They are all state schools.Year one 2016/17: Alexandra Park School, LondonAnglo European School, IngatestonBeths Grammar School, BexleyBohunt School, LiphookDartford Grammar School, DartfordFinham Park School, CoventryFortismere School, LondonGumley House Convent School, IsleworthHomewood School & Sixth Form Centre, TenterdenKingsford Community School, LondonQueen Mary's Grammar School, WalsallSt Joseph's College, LondonSt Mary Magdalene Academy, LondonUpton Hall School FCJ, Upton, Wirral Year two 2017/18:All Hallows Catholic College, MacclesfieldBay House School, GosportBohunt Worthing, WorthingChrist’s College Finchley, LondonChristopher Whitehead Language College & Sixth Form, WorcesterCowley International College, Saint HelensDidcot Girls' School, DidcotEvelyn Grace Academy, LondonFinham Park 2, CoventryHighdown School and Sixth Form Centre, ReadingHove Park, HoveIngleby Manor Free School & Sixth Form, Stockton-on-TeesLambeth Academy, LondonLyng Hall, CoventryMayfield Grammar School, KentMelbourn Village College, CambridgeQueen Mary’s High School, WalsallShevington High School, WiganSt Catherine’s College, EastbourneSt Gregory's, BathThe Crossley Heath School, HalifaxWilmington Grammar School for Girls, WilmingtonUCL Academy, London

Higher Education: Standards

lord storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education has raised any concerns about (1) Greenwich School of Management, and (2) Grafton College of Management Services, in the last year.

viscount younger of leckie: The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) investigates concerns about standards, quality and the information that providers make available in relation to their higher education provision. Where QAA identifies evidence of systemic concerns these issues may be investigated through a focused concerns investigation, a Higher Education Review (Alternative Provider) (HER (AP)) or a provider’s annual quality monitoring visit QAA does not disclose the names of providers that are currently the subject of QAA concerns activity, or the nature or those concerns. But where these lead to a concerns investigation, the outcomes from this activity will be published on the QAA website once QAA has concluded its investigations. QAA did not report on any new concerns about Grafton College of Management Sciences or Greenwich School of Management within the last year. However, QAA’s HER (AP) report on Grafton College, which was published in June 2016, contains a commentary on the status of an earlier completed concern investigation into Grafton College of Management Sciences (copy attached). A QAA outcomes report from the Greenwich School of Management’s recent HER (AP) is also due to be published in December 2017. The department takes allegations of fraud and malpractice extremely seriously and we are grateful to BBC Panorama for bringing the allegations against both of these providers to our attention. Working with stakeholders, we will take robust action where abuses of the system are evident.



HE Review (AP) of Grafton College 
(PDF Document, 257.7 KB)

Greenwich School of Management

lord storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education has raised any concerns about the validation of degrees offered by Greenwich School of Management.

viscount younger of leckie: The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) investigates concerns about standards, quality and the information that providers make available in relation to their higher education provision. Where QAA identifies evidence of systemic concerns these issues may be investigated through a focused concerns investigation, a Higher Education Review (Alternative Provider) (HER (AP)) or a provider’s annual quality monitoring visit. QAA does not disclose the names of providers that are currently the subject of QAA concerns activity, or the nature or those concerns but, where these lead to a concerns investigation, the outcomes from this activity will be published on the QAA website once QAA has concluded its investigations. Following concerns received by the Department in May 2015, including around the management of the college's relationship with its awarding body, QAA initiated a full investigation into Greenwich School of Management. This took place from 21 to 22 September 2015. Attached is the QAA’s report and statement on these concerns. This is published on the QAA website and can be found at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports/provider?UKPRN=10007937#.Wg8JlWxLHZs. The department takes allegations of fraud and malpractice extremely seriously and we are grateful to BBC Panorama for bringing the allegations against Greenwich School of Management to our attention. Working with stakeholders, we will take robust action where abuses of the system are evident. Through the HER (AP) process, QAA also routinely considers how validation arrangements are effectively managed and overseen by the degree-awarding body, ensuring that robust processes are in place to secure the quality of student learning opportunities, irrespective of where these take place or who provides them. An outcomes report from the Greenwich School of Management’s recent HER (AP) is due to be published in December 2017.



Institutional Review GSM Statement
(Word Document, 80.61 KB)




Institutional Review GSM Report
(PDF Document, 353.88 KB)

Ministry of Justice

Criminal Proceedings: Disclosure of Information

lord beecham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consulted on the inclusion of section 162 in the Policing and Crime Act 2017, under which defendants in criminal cases are required to disclose their nationality at their first court appearance; and if so, whether they will publish any responses to that consultation.

lord keen of elie: The changes introduced by section 162 in the Policing and Crime Act 2017 are intended to allow the Home Office to begin consideration of deportation action as quickly as possible, where an individual is identified as a foreign national offender. A public consultation on section 162 was not held, but during its passage through Parliament this Bill offered the opportunity for, and was subject to, extensive debate and scrutiny.

Prisoners

baroness burt of solihull: To ask Her Majesty's Government what stepsthey havetaken to ensure that appropriate pastoral support is available to non-religious prisoners in English and Welsh prisons on an equal basis to religious chaplaincy, and whether that support is proportionate to the percentage of patients who describe themselves as non-religious.

lord keen of elie: Chaplaincy teams provide pastoral support to prisoners of all religions and none, and increasingly include non-religious pastoral carers accredited by Humanists UK. Pastoral support is available to all prisoners regardless of whether or not they have declared an affiliation to a particular religion. More generally, support is provided to prisoners through a range of other sources, including prison staff, volunteers and peer supporters (such as Samaritans-trained Listeners). Our prison reforms are building on this, and the 2,500 additional frontline staff that we are recruiting will allow us to deploy all residential staff as dedicated key workers, each providing support to a caseload of about six prisoners.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Mefloquine

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government in what circumstances it is considered suitable to prescribe the antimalarial drug mefloquine to members of the Armed Forces.

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have developed guidelines about the use of Lariam and other antimalarial drugs,specific to their use by military personnel.

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Lariam is restricted in its use by military personnel only to those who are unable to tolerate available alternatives.

earl howe: In June 2017, the Government updated its policy on Preventing Malaria in UK Armed Forces Personnel (Joint Service Publication 950, Part 1, Leaflet 3-3-1). The leaflet includes guidance on antimalarial drug use, requiring that drugs only be supplied after a face-to-face malaria health risk assessment, following the Defence Medical Information Capability Programme antimalarial protocol.The recommended drug regime is determined by the sensitivity of malaria parasites to antimalarial drugs in different parts of the world, based on Public Health England guidance. For areas without drug resistance the recommendation is that individuals are offered chloroquine on its own. If chloroquine is not suitable then proguanil is the preferred alternative. For areas of little chloroquine resistance, it is recommended that individuals are offered both chloroquine and proguanil. If chloroquine and proguanil are not suitable and the patient can tolerate proguanil then the patient should normally be offered atovaquone and proguanil.For areas where malarial parasites are known to be resistant to chloroquine it is recommended that individuals are offered atovaquone and proguanil. If atovaquone and proguanil is not suitable they are to be reviewed in order to determine which alternative drug is most appropriate. The second choice drug will normally be doxycycline but may be modified in accordance with the disease profile of the country to be visited. If doxycycline is unsuitable then mefloquine may be prescribed but only after the individual has been reviewed by a doctor.

Department for Work and Pensions

Employment: Disability

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure thatdisabled people are aware of their rights at work.

baroness buscombe: Equality and Human Rights Commission is the body tasked with promoting equality in routes into work, fair treatment at work and fair opportunities for progression. It was established by the Equality Act and is an office of the Government Equalities Office within the Department for Education reporting to the Minister for Women and Equalities. Its strategic plan to deliver its objectives, including promoting equality in routes into work, can be found attached. The Disability Confident Scheme focuses on the role of employers, who have a crucial role to play in ensuring disabled people are recruited, retained and developed in their careers.Disability Confident is about creating a movement for change and involves business talking to business, with disability confident employers sharing their evidence and experiences with other employers.



Strategic Plan
(PDF Document, 8.18 MB)

Department for Communities and Local Government

Non-domestic Rates

baroness pinnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatestimate they have made ofthe effect on local government funding of a zero increase in non-domestic rates in April 2018.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The business rates multiplier is normally adjusted each year in line with inflation. When the multiplier was capped at a level below inflation in 2015/16, the Government provided funding to local government to compensate for the resulting reduction in income from locally retained business rates.

Non-domestic Rates: Tax Evasion

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written AnswerbyLord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 27 October (HL1859), what plans they have to work with local government to address business rates avoidance.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: I welcome the opportunity to develop proposals to tackle business rates avoidance together with the Local Government Association and local government.

Private Rented Housing: Homelessness

lord shipley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Help to Rent projects and their capacity to help local authoritiesmeet their obligations under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: Help to rent projects play an important role in enabling homeless people to access the private rented sector. We are considering how best to take forward mediated access in the context of our overall homelessness prevention approach.

HM Treasury

Duchy of Cornwall: Investment

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether anyinvestment by the Duchy of Cornwall requires the approval of HM Treasury; and if so, what level of investment.

lord bates: The Duchy of Cornwall Management Acts 1963 and 1982 require the Treasury to authorise transactions over £500,000 on the Duchy’s capital account in relation to land and property.

Duchy of Cornwall: Investment

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether HM Treasury approved the offshore investments by the Duchy of Cornwall of $3.9 million in 2007 which weredisclosed in the Appleby papers.

lord bates: The Treasury’s oversight of the Duchy relates to the sale of and expenditure on land and property, as required by the Management Acts. The Treasury does not oversee and approve the Duchy’s financial investments.

Duchy of Cornwall: Taxation

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they treat the Duchy of Cornwall as a private or public corporation, acompany, a trust, or a settlement, for tax purposes.

lord bates: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs is the department with principal responsibility for reviewing individual tax affairs. They do not comment on the affairs of identifiable taxpayers. However, since 1993 the Prince of Wales has voluntarily paid tax on income from the Duchy of Cornwall. The 2013 Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation gives further details and is available on GOV.UK.

Minimum Wage: Prosecutions

lord mendelsohn: To ask Her Majesty's Government, furtherto the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 10 November (HL2703), for each National Minimum Wage prosecution since 2007, by whom the case wasreferred to HMRC for investigation.

lord mendelsohn: To ask Her Majesty's Government, furtherto the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 10 November (HL2703), how many of the 13 National Minimum Wage prosecutions made in the past nine years involved roles advertised as internships.

lord bates: The government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW) receives it. Anyone who feels they have been underpaid NMW should contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100. HMRC review all complaints that are referred to them. HMRC acts on information from a range of sources, including workers, third parties and unions but does not disclose the source of an investigation in specific cases for reasons of confidentiality. As referenced in the answer to question [[1]] HL2704, HMRC has recorded no prosecutions in relation to interns and the National Minimum Wage. [[1]] http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2017-10-30/HL2704/

Non-domestic Rates

baroness pinnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatestimate they have made of theeffect on local government funding ofusing the Consumer Prices Index rather than the Retail Prices Index for assessing the increase in non-domestic rates in April 2018.

lord bates: Autumn Budget 2017 announced that the planned switch in the indexation of business rates from RPI to CPI will be brought forward by two years to April 2018. Central government will fully compensate local authorities for income lost as a result of this measure.

Local Government Finance

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the Local Government Association’s submission to the Autumn Budget.

lord bates: Ahead of the Budget, HM Treasury received submissions from a range of stakeholders. We welcome all Budget submissions, particularly from organisations like the LGA who have unique insight and challenges and opportunities for local government. While it would not be appropriate to respond in detail to individual proposals, the government did carefully consider all submissions.

Child Tax Credit

the earl of listowel: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an individual who has non-parental caring arrangements for two or more children of a family member will be denied tax credits at the birth of their next child.

lord bates: The government’s policy is to provide support to a maximum of two children in tax credits to ensure that those who receive income related benefits face the same financial choices as those supporting themselves solely through work. The government acknowledges the immense value of care given by non-parental carers. The government has therefore included an exception to this policy for third and subsequent children taken on through kinship care arrangements, recognising that people taking on additional children in this way are not able to make the same choices about the number of children in their family.

Cabinet Office

House of Lords: Ministers

lord grocott: To ask Her Majesty's Government, since 2010, how many House of Lords ministers have been appointedto their posts prior to their introduction to the House of Lords; and, of those who are no longer ministers, what was the average length of their tenure in ministerial office.

lord young of cookham: Since 2010, nine ministers have been appointed to their posts prior to their introduction to the House of Lords. Of those who are no longer House of Lords Ministers, the average length of tenure in ministerial office was 23 months.

Devolution: Scotland

lord steel of aikwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have of the case for devolving more powers to the Scottish Parliament after Brexit.

lord young of cookham: The Government expects that the return of powers from the EU will lead to a significant increase in the decision making powers for the devolved administrations, including the Scottish Parliament. It will bring power closer to people than ever before.The Government is continuing to discuss this with the devolved administrations, working through the relevant areas of EU law to determine where common approaches will and will not be required, and the different forms that common approaches could take. The common framework principles agreed at the Joint Ministerial Committee (European Negotiations) are guiding these discussions.

Civil Servants: Recruitment

lord stoddart of swindon: To ask Her Majesty's Government why it was necessary to employ 11,000 additional civil servants to deliver Brexit; and whether they will publish a detailed breakdown of their deployment.

lord young of cookham: We do not recognise the figure of 11,000. The whole of Government is preparing for the UK to make an orderly and successful exit from the European Union, and we are equipping ourselves with the right people and the right skills across Government to make this happen. Whilst workforce planning is primarily the responsibility of each department to determine based on their individual operational and policy requirements, the Civil Service constantly reviews its capabilities in order to deliver the Government’s commitment to leave the EU and get the very best deal for the UK. Civil Service HR is working closely with the Department for Exiting the European Union to support departments, functions and professions in continuing to develop plans to address their emerging capacity and capability requirements.

Devolution: England

lord stoddart of swindon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Young of Cookham on 13 July (HL414) concerning an English Parliament and his statement that "there is little or no public appetite or need for an English Parliament", whether they have any plans to bring forward legislation for a referendum in England on the subject.

lord young of cookham: There are no plans to bring forward legislation for a referendum on this subject in England. The Government thinks it right that English MPs should have a decisive role to play in the passage of legislation that affects only England. The implementation of English votes for English laws delivers a coherent constitutional settlement and a voice for all. The Government is focused on delivering the commitments that we made to the people of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through the delivery of further devolution to the nations and regions.

Scottish Parliament: Elections

lord wallace of tankerness: To ask Her Majesty's Government whethertheir (1)ministers, and (2) officials, have held discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the rights of EU citizens to stand and vote in Scottish Parliament elections following Brexit; and if so, when.

lord young of cookham: UK Government Ministers and officials have held regular discussion with Scottish Government Ministers and officials on the progress of citizens' rights negotiations, which includes the right to stand and vote in municipal elections. There have been official level conversations after each round of negotiations with the EU and Ministerial conversations after the majority of the rounds, including most recently at the British-Irish Council on 10 November.The UK Government position is that we want EU citizens with settled status, or who are on the pathway to settled status, to retain the right to vote and stand in any UK election which uses the local government register (which includes Scottish Parliamentary elections), so long as the rights of British citizens living in the EU are similarly protected.

Department of Health

Agency Nurses

lord clark of windermere: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the names and locations of the agencies registered to supply nurses to NHS trusts in England.

lord o'shaughnessy: Agency rules require that agencies are on NHS Improvement-approved frameworks and these frameworks monitor and approve agencies for supply to trusts. The approved framework operators are Crown Commercial Service, NHS Collaborative Procurement Partnership and Health Trust Europe. In addition to agencies on approved frameworks, trusts in exceptional patient safety situations can utilise the ‘break glass clause’ and work with an off-framework agency. Using an off-framework agency should be a culmination of a robust escalation process sanctioned by the trust board. Trust boards have primary responsibility for monitoring the local impact of the agency rules and ensuring patient safety.

Mental Health Services

lord crisp: To ask Her Majesty's Government when theyintend topublish proposals for a new acute adult care pathway for mental health.

lord o'shaughnessy: The pathway for acute adult mental health care has been developed in draft and is currently being considered for publication over the coming months.

Mental Health Services

lord crisp: To ask Her Majesty's Government when theyintend topublish proposals for introducing a maximum four hour wait for acute adult mental health care and bringing greater parity between mental and physical health.

lord o'shaughnessy: NHS England has made significant progress in relation to the development of a comprehensive set of mental health care pathways, including an acute mental health care pathway. Whilst much of the pathway content has been finalised, the material is currently being reviewed to ensure that it is in line with the wider Five Year Forward View strategy and that it provides the most helpful guidance to both commissioners and providers in relation to the commissioning and implementation of services to improve access and outcomes for people with mental health problems.

Mental Health Services: Out of Area Treatment

lord crisp: To ask Her Majesty's Government when theyintend topublish proposals for eliminating out of area placements for non-specialised services for acute adult psychiatric care.

lord o'shaughnessy: In February 2016, the independent Commission on Acute Adult Psychiatric Care described widespread problems with finding acute inpatient beds. As a result, the Commission made a recommendation to eliminate the practice of sending people out of the area for care due to local acute bed pressures. NHS England has, in collaboration with all arms’ length bodies, prepared a response to all of the recommendations. It is currently in the final stages of clearance and is intended to be published shortly.

Female Genital Mutilation: Plastic Surgery

baroness gould of potternewton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to issue guidance for all healthcare providers clarifying the circumstances under which procedures marketed as "female genital cosmetic surgery" may be necessary for a woman’s physical or mental health and therefore not banned under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which makes female genital mutilation (FGM) a criminal offence, clearly sets out the medical circumstances in which it is not an offence to carry out a surgical operation on the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris: these circumstances are where the operation is carried out by an approved person (such as a medical professional) and is necessary for a woman or girl's physical or mental health or is for purposes connected with labour or birth. This surgery should not be undertaken within the National Health Service unless it is medically indicated. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) are clear in their guidelines, Female Genital Mutilation and its Management, published in July 2015, that “Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) may be prohibited unless it is necessary for the patient’s physical or mental health. All surgeons who undertake FGCS must take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the FGM Acts.” A copy of the guidelines is attached. The RCOG also published an ethical opinion paper in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery in 2013, which provides background briefing on FGM and explores the ethical considerations in relation to FGCS around consent, minors and clinical evidence. A copy of the opinion paper, Ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FCGS), is attached. 



Female Genital Mutilation and its Management
(PDF Document, 1.51 MB)




Ethical Opinion Paper
(PDF Document, 2.1 MB)

Rickets

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to designate a group of health care professionals to be accountable and responsible for the prevention of rickets and its complications in the UK.

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what analysisthey haveundertaken of the steps necessary specifically to protect members of the BAME community from the risk of rickets and its complications.

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey havemade of research published in Endocrine Connections showing (1) that the UK does not provide information to new parents before discharge from neonatal and delivery units on the necessity of infant vitamin D supplementation; and (2) that the vitamin D supplementation programme in infants is not monitored.

lord hunt of kings heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what strategiesthey intend todevelop to implement a rickets prevention policy alongside the existing infection prevention policy, in the light of evidencepublished in Endocrine Connections demonstrating that the UK has the worst adherence to infant vitamin D supplementation in Europe.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government has no such plans. Rickets can generally be prevented by ensuring that children have a healthy, balanced diet, spend some time outside in the sun and take appropriate supplements containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D, which is a widely available supplement. There is already a range of resources available to increase awareness of the need for vitamin D supplements, including advice on the NHS Choices website on the importance of vitamin D for bone health, and supplements are readily available over the counter and through the Healthy Start vitamins scheme.In August the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence updated its public health guidance on increasing vitamin D supplement use among population groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency, in the light of the 2016 Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition report on Vitamin D and health. A copy of the guidance, Vitamin D: supplement use in specific population groups, is attached. This guideline includes recommendations on how to: increase access to and availability of vitamin D supplements, including for at-risk groups such as the BAME community; ensure health professionals recommend vitamin D supplements; raise awareness of the importance of these supplements amongst the population; and monitor provision and uptake of vitamin D supplements.Local commissioners will wish to consider how best to take forward these recommendations in respect of local BAME populations. The Government has made no formal assessment of the research referred to.



Vitamin D: supplement use in specific groups
(PDF Document, 265.69 KB)

Health Services: Immigrants

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have madeof the distribution of funding received through the Immigration Health Surcharge; and whether the distribution of that funding is linked to specific migration-related impacts for each NHS authority in England.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Department does not collect this information centrally. NHS England advises that funding allocation formulae include no specific assessment of migration-related impacts, although they do take account of the overall size of the local population.

Health Services: Immigrants

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimate of the cost impact of migration on each NHS authority in England, in each of the last five years.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Department does not hold this information. However, an independent analysis report commissioned by the Department to better understand the use and cost of treating overseas visitors and migrants was published on 22 October 2013. This report shows that the cost of treating all visitors and migrants is estimated to be around £2 billion per year. This includes some groups who were entitled to free National Health Service treatment either by being ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, or exempt from charges under Regulations. However, of the £2 billion it is estimated that around £500 million is recoverable under the current charging regulations and the current application of the regulations.

Smoking

lord laird: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are proposing to reduce the overall numberof cigarettes smoked in England.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government continues to provide leadership and guidance on the most effective interventions, ensuring that the new legislation is implemented well and that organisations with national responsibilities are joined up and effective in achieving these ambitions. We will aim to provide access to training for all health professionals on how to help patients quit, promote links to stop smoking services across the health and care system and strive to achieve a smokefree National Health Service. We will support local councils to identify local solutions, particularly where prevalence remains high so they can help people to quit. The Government will maintain high duty rates for tobacco products to make tobacco less affordable and will ensure that sanctions in current legislation are effective and fit for purpose. Our end goal is a smoke-free generation.

Ophthalmology: Regulation

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the findings of a recent Which? investigation into the quality of optical prescriptions, whether they have any plans to review the regulation of opticians and the performance of the General Optical Council.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government is consulting on proposals for the reform of the professional regulation of healthcare professionals, including opticians, in the United Kingdom. This consultation closes on 23 January 2018. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is the independent body responsible for overseeing the work of the nine statutory bodies that regulate health professionals in the UK and social workers in England. The PSA reviews the performance of the General Optical Council on an annual basis.

Gambling: Mental Health

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made ofthelink between mental health and problem gambling; and what steps they are taking to address that link.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government has not made any formal assessment of a direct link between mental health and problem gambling. Problem gambling can cause physical and mental health problems, including anxiety disorders and depression. The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme began in 2008 and has transformed treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England. Over 900,000 people now access IAPT services each year, and the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health has pledged to expand services further to see a further one million more people treated for mental health problems every year by 2020, alongside improving quality. Although problem gambling is not listed amongst the provisional diagnosis categories that IAPT treats, IAPT practitioners would be able to treat common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety which problem gamblers may present with.

Post-operative Care

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to raise awareness amongst GPs of post-operative problems.

lord o'shaughnessy: General practitioners are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, to ensure that they can continue to provide high quality care to all patients.  The training curricula for postgraduate trainee doctors are set by the relevant medical royal college and have to meet the standards set by the General Medical Council. Whilst curricula do not necessarily highlight specific conditions for doctors to be aware of, they instead emphasise the skills and approaches that a doctor must develop in order to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses and treatment plans for their patients.

Social Services: Finance

lord porter of spalding: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the report by the Local Government Association, Adult social care funding: State of the nation 2017.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government has taken note of the report by the Local Government Association, Adult social care funding: State of the nation 2017, which calls for additional funding for social care, an effective response to tackling delayed transfers of care and increased integration between local government and the local National Health Service. The Budget in March 2017 announced an additional £2 billion to be given to councils over the next three years for social care. This additional funding means that councils have access to £9.25 billion in total more dedicated funding for social care over the next three years. Reducing pressures on the NHS, including supporting more people to be discharged from hospital when they are ready, is one of the three purposes of the £2 billion provided in the Spring Budget. This is, of course, a shared endeavour between councils and the different parts of the local NHS. Everyone must do their part. The Better Care Fund (BCF) has set the foundation to integrate health and social care, but the Government wants to deliver joined up care further and faster. Relevant areas will be notified in due course whether they will be shortlisted with a view to becoming a ‘graduate’ within the BCF once they have demonstrated that they have moved beyond the requirements of BCF reporting and are exemplars of integration. The Government has set out plans to publish a Green Paper by summer 2018 presenting its proposals to reform care and support for older people.

Ambulance Services: South East

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions no ambulance or paramedic attended an incident reported by a 999 call in each month of the last year in (1) Sussex, and (2) London.

lord o'shaughnessy: This information is not collected centrally. Not all 999 calls require a face-to-face response to be dispatched. Such calls may include incidents where the ambulance service receives multiple calls about the same incident, abandoned calls, calls resolved by providing telephone advice, calls to check on estimated time of arrival of an ambulance, calls to say an ambulance is no longer required, calls to update the service on the patient’s condition, hoax calls, and calls from frequent callers where no clinical assessment is required.

HIV Infection

lord black of brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding they will provide in the financial year 2018–19 to prevent new HIV infections in England.

lord black of brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of Sustainable Development Goal 3 to end the global AIDS epidemic by 2030, what progress has been made in England to prevent new HIV infections; and what plans they have to accelerate that progress.

lord o'shaughnessy: Significant progress is being made towards Sustainable Development Goal 3. In London, which has the highest HIV prevalence in the country, all the global UNAIDS 90:90:90 targets have been met, with 90% of people living with HIV infection diagnosed, 97% of people diagnosed receiving treatment, and 97% of those receiving treatment virally suppressed. The equivalent figures for the whole of England were 88%, 96% and 97% respectively. There was an 18% reduction in new HIV diagnoses in 2016 compared to 2015. We are continuing to focus our attention on preventing the spread of HIV and in particular, to support those people who are most at risk of infection. Public Health England (PHE) has a three year contract (£1.2 million a year) with the Terrence Higgins Trust for a National HIV Prevention Programme. In addition, PHE invest £600,000 annually in a HIV innovation fund and are continuing to invest in an innovative HIV home sampling service. NHS England have allocated up to £10 million over the next three years in the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Impact Trial. The three year trial of 10,000 participants will address outstanding questions on PrEP need, uptake and duration of use in those at high risk of HIV acquisition in England. Local authorities are also responsible for funding HIV prevention for their local communities.

Mental Health Services: Children in Care

lord mccoll of dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure access to mental health services for children in care.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government is committed to improving the mental health of looked after children, many of whom are at an increased risk of having a diagnosed mental health disorder. That is why the Department of Health and the Department for Education commissioned the Social Care Institute for Excellence to convene an Expert Working Group to look at how to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing support for looked-after children. The findings of this group were published on 6 November and we are currently considering the recommendations. NHS England is currently testing models for the use of personal budgets for looked after children, those at risk of entering care, adopted children and care leavers.

Mental Health: Children in Care

lord mccoll of dulwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to amend the law so that an assessment of the mental health of children in care accompanies the current requirement to regularly review their physical health.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 require regular assessment of mental and emotional health, as well as of physical health. Statutory guidance published in 2015 states that this case review must happen within 20 working days of the child starting to be looked after and must be done by a registered medical practitioner. In 2015, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence updated PH28, its public health guidance on looked-after children and young people. Recommendation 20 is that ‘all looked-after children and young people have their physical, emotional and mental health needs assessed by appropriately trained professionals.’ From 2018, the Department for Education will pilot new approaches to improve the quality of mental health assessments for looked-after children on entry to care.

Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination

the countess of mar: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord O'Shaughnessy on 2 November (HL2355) that no link has been established between HPV vaccines and chronic illness, what assessment they have made of the awards for damages made by the US Vaccine Court to 38 of 58 cases on this issue since 2016.

lord o'shaughnessy: We have made no assessment of vaccine damage awards for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the United States as this is a matter for the US courts.Thorough reviews undertaken by national and international scientific bodies have found no evidence to support a link between HPV vaccine and the development of chronic illnesses.

Mefloquine

the countess of mar: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byLord O'Shaughnessy on 7 November (HL Deb, col 1689) that a link between mefloquine and severe and persistent psychiatric symptoms has not been established, what assessment they have made of Lariam’s inclusion in the British Medical Journal’s Visual Summary for Psychotic disorders list as a possible cause of psychotic symptoms and the warnings in the Roche patient information leaflet that Lariam may cause serious mental problems.

lord o'shaughnessy: As with all medicines, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) keeps the product information for mefloquine (which includes the patient information leaflet and the summary of product characteristics) under review. Mefloquine is effective in the prevention and treatment of malaria. The current product information states that neuropsychiatric adverse reactions may occur during treatment and includes warnings and precautions to minimise these risks. It also states that such adverse reactions may persist for months, or longer, even after discontinuation of the drug. It has not been established, however, that such adverse reactions may be permanent.The reference to mefloquine in the British Medical Journal article on 8 November 2017, entitled Early psychosis for the non-specialist doctor, is consistent with the possible adverse reactions included in the mefloquine product information.